Chilli’s Interviews

This year Mummy and I are extremely excited about Crufts 2017 as my buddy Lucky and my Auntie Isa Randle competed in the Crufts finals in Freestyle Heelwork to Music (HTM)! Mummy went to cheer them on and she said they were pawtastic! I’m sure you are all curious about how it feels like to compete in such a big event being a tiny but mighty cute Chihuahua! So here’s an exclusive interview with the man himself.

V: Chilli that was a huge face lick. I think I’ve lost most of my makeup.

C: Haha. I was just showing you the Chilliwawa love. So tell me, what’s it like doing social media as a human? Is it very different from being a media dog?

V: To be honest, it’s hectic. You probably find that too. Everything changes so quickly. You just manage to get to grips with one update and suddenly everything transforms.

C: So you need paws for thought then?

V: Yes, something like that. But it is exciting. You’d be barking mad not to enjoy a career in social media.

C: What’s your favourite platform? I love Instagram because I get to take a lot of selfies; being the media dog that I am.

V: I’ve seen them! But my real favourite is Pinterest.

C: Why is that?

V: I have loved the vibe from the very beginning. I started on Pinterest when it was’ invite only’ and it really felt special. Although I have to say it has changed a lot. As a social media platform it was so different and its influence has spread far and wide in terms of design style too. It’s the one platform where I can get lost for hours and be taken to different worlds. It has become such a powerful search tool too.

C: But surely Pinterest is just for crazy cat ladies!

V: That’s where you are so wrong Chilli. Pinterest is a real money spinner and perfect for the media dog about town. Did you know people spend more on Pinterest than they do on Facebook?

C: Surely not?

V: Yup, it’s true. People visit Pinterest when they are in the mood to be tempted. They are up for inspiration, ideas, life hacks and it appeals to their sense of what might be possible, what might be transformational. They just want to add value to their lives in as many different ways as possible.

C: What you mean like me wanting to be a Great Dane?

V: Steady on! Not quite THAT transformational. But if you are looking for a new outfit, collar or overcoat, dog basket or blanket that a media dog needs then Pinterest will offer you a 101 solutions. It will inspire and also promote that ‘I want it now’ moment.

C: Sounds good to me. But how can a social media platform really promote shopping?

V: Chill, I can’t believe you of all Chihuahuas are asking me that question. But now you’ve asked, Pinterest has launched a new shopping app. If you find a luxury dog bed in a pet shop you can zap the product and Pinterest will deliver other exciting options to your phone. You can see what’s on the market and decide there and then if this really is the bargain dog bed you were after. It’s transformational; just like your dog accessories.

C: Does that mean you actually earn a living from Pinterest? How does that work?

V: I run UK Pinterest Management Services and I look after Pinterest boards for companies who are too busy to do it themselves. The London Evening Standard even featured me in an article called the online careers you never knew existed.

I’ve worked for china restorers, luxury candle and aromatherapy oil manufacturers, vaping companies, dog accessory sellers and so many different types of people. It’s been fascinating. As a media dog you need to be there.

C: You may well convince me. So what board is your favourite on your Pinterest accounts.

V: I hate to admit it but it’s a board called Black Cats!’

C: Aargh…where are they? Let me at ‘em!

V: Ha ha Chilli, calm down, they are in picture form only. Anyway, if you need someone to manage your Pinterest boards you know where to come. I think the first one has to be called ‘The Media Dog’. Am I forgiven?

C: Sure! Here’s another lick to prove it.

Vivienne Neale is Pinterest expert and runs UK Pinterest Management Services. Click here to see what she gets up to.

My first dog blog interview!

Meet my new friend Coco! She is quite the business woman. Together with her Mommy Jan and sister Millie they run an amazing doggie day care business. It’s a new venture run by a very experienced Jan-she has cared for children, dogs and built her own business before.

Jan enthusiastically explained to Mommy that their day care is exclusively for us little dogs! Jan is very keen on the doggies to have a “home away from home” experience filled with love, comfort and of course safety. She believes us little dogs need a family and warm environment to feel comfortable and happy in. And if you wish your beloved pooch can also stay for holidays.

Her home, where us doggies will be staying, is a welcoming and cozy environment with a lovely patio which is currently being transformed into a fun dog garden! I can’t wait to see it! Jan and Millie also take their dog guests out on long walks to neighbouring Holland Park and Kensington Gardens.

I have to say that as a nervous, slightly hesitant dog I felt at home immediately! I loved seeing Coco again and playing with all three of them. We had such a good time.